- Question
Is lying ever justified?
“Lying is bad.” Almost every child has heard this phrase or some variation of it. We are taught from a young age that the truth is important and that lying is unethical. Yet, lies can have purposes, and sometimes the truth can cause harm. Therefore, can lying be justifiable?
Yes, lying can be justified
This position holds that lying can sometimes be justified. It argues that deception is at times needed to protect privacy and safety, that prosocial 'white lies' spare others' feelings and preserve relationships, and that lying to shield loved ones from harm can outweigh strict honesty.
No, lying is never justified
This position holds that lying is never justified. It argues that deception harms the liar's own health through stress and guilt, that lies wound those deceived whatever the intention, and that every falsehood erodes the shared trust a truthful society depends on.